Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Date 2: Download a playlist of recommended "Jingle Jams" from NPR, bundle up in puffy jackets and go for a stroll through your neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. If it's really cold outside, burn the songs onto a CD, pack into your car and enjoy the lights in heated comfort. Don't forget your minty gum for all of the festive smooching that may ensue.

What you'll love: Sharing earbuds could be the funnest part (especially if you suffer a large height discrepancy like the Mr. and me). The Christmas spirit will be bubbling in your veins as you hum happy holiday melodies and judge your neighbors' levels of Christmas spirit and decorating prowess. You could even take a small pad of paper to rate the tackiness, comparing notes at the end of the night.

(If you live in the neighborhood next to this house, I'm so jealous! Unless those lights are keeping you up at night, in which case I'm sorry.)

Please note my suggested 12 Dates of Christmas are meant to be economical, fun, off beat and celebrations of the love that should abound during the season (as opposed to the stress I tend to embrace.) You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable holiday!